January was a bit of a rollercoaster for the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff. After seeing quarterbacks coach Greg Olson leave to become Jon Gruden’s offensive coordinator, the Rams watched Matt LaFleur interview to become the Titans’ head coach.

They appeared to have LaFleur for at least one more year after Tennessee hired Mike Vrabel, but that obviously wasn’t true. The Titans wound up bringing LaFleur back to Nashville to become Vrabel’s offensive coordinator, a move that Sean McVay had to approve.

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The Rams weren’t the only ones who believed LaFleur was staying in L.A., either. He thought he’d be back, too.

“It was strictly about the head coaching position,” LaFleur said Wednesday, of his first interview with the Titans. “As a matter of fact, when I came back to L.A., I said, ‘Hey, you guys are stuck with me for another year.’ But I’m very happy to be here.”

Because he joined the Titans in the same role that he held with the Rams, McVay had to approve of the move. He could have blocked LaFleur from leaving for Tennessee, keeping him in Los Angeles for another year. He opted not to, giving his protégé the opportunity to advance his career.

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LaFleur said he’s “very grateful for Sean and the L. A. organization” for allowing him to pursue the job, while also thanking Vrabel for the opportunity.

With the Titans, he’ll have the opportunity to call plays, take control of the offense and develop a promising young quarterback in Marcus Mariota. That by itself is a promotion as it’ll bridge the gap from coordinator to head coach, should he get another opportunity in the near future.

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